Families who keep firearms belonging to a relative who has died could be breaking the law, police have warned.

Police said when a licensed firearm holder dies, family members must notify the ACT Firearms Registry as soon as possible and make arrangements for the firearms to be legally held.

Options include transferring ownership or selling the firearms to another licence holder, temporarily surrendering them while a family member obtains a licence, or permanently surrendering them.

Police said families must advise the registry of what they intend to do and confirm arrangements for the legal possession of the firearms.

Police said firearms being transported must be unloaded and kept in a case or wrapped in a blanket and secured in the boot of the vehicle. Ammunition must be kept in a locked container separate from the firearms.

In some circumstances, police may be able to attend a home to collect the firearms.

The ACT Firearms Registry, call 5126 9076 or at ACTFirearmsRegistry@afp.gov.au. The registry is open by appointment only.

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